Jinting Han people

Chapter 722 Public and Private

Regarding the bizarrely erupted Huangfu Chongwei Bo rebellion case, Liu Xian had little to criticize; in fact, it could be said that he handled it perfectly. What could have been a conflict that sparked unrest was averted without bloodshed simply through an imperial edict. Moreover, Liu Xian gave them ample opportunity, so no one can accuse him of being heartless.

However, this still served as a wake-up call for Liu Xian. By simply tracing the course of the incident, he could easily see that the root cause was the awarding of titles and ranks based on merit last year. The awarding of titles and ranks was merely one part of the reform, and the part that faced the least resistance, yet it still triggered a rebellion. This forced him to be even more cautious about the reforms to come.

After dealing with this matter, he summoned Lu Zhi and discussed it with him, saying, "Ningzhou has been pacified again, but the real problems have only just begun. The next administrative steps will involve cutting flesh from others, and the resistance will not be so simple. Zidao, given the current progress of the new policies, do you think it is going smoothly?"

As the main architect of the reform, Lu Zhi naturally observed the progress in various places every day. He truthfully told the emperor, "Your Majesty, it can only be said that it is neither good nor bad."

"Neither good nor bad?"

"As things stand, given His Majesty's prestige, no one dares to openly oppose the new system. At most, they complain about its cumbersome nature, but it can still be implemented. However, the speed of implementation varies, with some counties progressing quickly and others slowly. Overall, though, people are still skeptical of the court's new system. If things continue like this, I estimate it will be difficult to complete the plan as expected this year."

According to Lu Zhi's original plan, the land registration of displaced people and soldiers within the territory should be basically finalized before this year's autumn harvest. Only on this basis can the next step of checking registration and clearing land be fully implemented. However, so far, the preparations in various counties are uneven. Although the imperial court has recruited a large number of new officials and assigned them to local areas as county magistrates, many of the practical work styles that have existed since the Wei and Jin dynasties are difficult to change abruptly. Clearly, it will take time to adapt.

This actually aligned with Liu Xian's expectations. After all, years of governing had repeatedly taught him a lesson: there is no such thing as a free lunch in officialdom. If you do encounter something satisfactory, it's either because someone has ulterior motives or because there's a trap ahead. Huangfu Zhong simply didn't understand this principle and lacked self-reflection, which led to his tragic end.

Faced with this progress, Liu Xian quickly made an adjustment, saying, "Zidao, you should be prepared to be reassigned."

"What are Your Majesty's plans?" Lu Zhi asked.

"Now that the position of Governor of Jingzhou has become vacant, you will take on the role of Governor of Jingzhou and oversee these matters."

Liu Xian already had a plan in mind. This round of reforms was primarily being implemented in Jing and Xiang provinces. As the de facto capital region, Jing province was of greater importance than Xiang province. If a good start could be made in Jing province and the reform process accelerated, Xiang province would certainly not lag behind. Appointing Lu Zhi, who had orchestrated the reforms, as the governor of Jing province, and having his trusted confidant Li Sheng closely follow suit in Xiang province, was undoubtedly the best personnel arrangement to ensure the smooth progress of the reforms.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Lu Zhi naturally agreed without hesitation, but after a moment's thought, he hesitated and asked, "Will Lu Zhongshu have any objections to Your Majesty's arrangement?"

This topic caused a slight stagnation in the atmosphere of the hall, since the relationship and grudges between Lu Zhi and the Lu brothers were a well-known story in the court and among the public.

Although Lu Zhi and Lu Yun both work under Liu Xian now, the past is like a thorn deeply embedded in their bones, not easily erased. Now, both under Liu Xian's command, they tacitly avoid mentioning each other. Even when in the same room, they act as if the other doesn't exist. When going out, they even make a point of inquiring whether the other has participated, just to maintain a semblance of civility.

Liu Xian's current arrangement could easily provoke conflict and be misinterpreted by others. Especially after just suppressing a rebellion, its political implications are even more complex. If it causes unnecessary political infighting, it would be a net loss.

Liu Xian had certainly considered this issue as well. He assumed Lu Zhi was worried about incurring the displeasure of the Wu people, so he comforted Lu Zhi by saying:

"There's no need to worry. Although Lu Shilong is no longer the governor of Jingzhou, I've transferred him to the inner court as the Grand Secretary. This exchange is a fair trade, so there shouldn't be any resentment. Besides, I've already spoken with Lu Shilong. Reforming the system isn't his forte, nor does it align with his principles. Opinions are inevitable, but Zidao, you don't need to worry too much. Lu Shilong has followed me for so long; he still considers the big picture."

Rumors and gossip are things that can't be completely eradicated. As the saying goes, "Time will tell," even a wise man like the Duke of Zhou could only wait for time to dispel these discussions. For Liu Xian himself, the most important thing is to adhere to principles and uphold his bottom line; everything else will naturally dissipate.

However, Lu Zhi did not see it that way. He slowly shook his head and reminded him, "Your Majesty, even if Gongshu Cuo is not a treacherous official, he will still be wary of Wu Qi!"

Liu Xian then understood Lu Zhi's meaning and was speechless for a moment.

It turns out that Lu Zhi wasn't worried that Lu Yun would develop prejudices, but rather he was certain that Lu Yun harbored prejudices. Therefore, he compared himself to Wu Qi and Lu Yun to Gongshu Cuo, clearly citing the precedent of Gongshu Cuo slandering Wu Qi to Marquis Wu of Wei, ultimately forcing Wu Qi to leave. He was using this to remind Liu Xian that once he became the governor of Jingzhou and went to various counties to implement reforms, he was very likely to attract attacks from Lu Yun and others, and he hoped that Liu Xian would pay close attention.

Lu Zhi had suffered greatly because of this when he was in the Northern Expeditionary Army, so even though he knew that Liu Xian trusted him, he couldn't help but have some doubts. He then took this opportunity to repeatedly remind Liu Xian to be wary of Lu Yun.

Liu Xian was somewhat helpless, but he also understood Lu Zhi's situation. Reforming the system was a matter of life and death, and there was no room for error. So he gave Lu Zhi a good pep talk. To show his firm confidence in the reform, he promised Lu Zhi that no matter what criticisms Lu Yun and the others might have against Lu Zhi, Liu Xian would wait until he had completed the reform and returned to the capital before discussing it further. Only then did he persuade Lu Zhi to accept the position of Governor of Jingzhou.

After Lu Zhi left, Liu Xian sighed, feeling somewhat weary as he thought about the recent events.

Since ascending the throne, he had increasingly felt the difficulty of managing the overall situation. Even though he was doing his utmost to be fair, there would always be those who suspected him of having ulterior motives. Even though he considered Lu Zhi a close friend, there were still times when such estrangement arose. For a monarch, the most unbearable thing was that even with the best efforts at fairness, there was little tangible reward. The virtuous and benevolent governance that the common people yearned for was invisible and intangible, and it didn't bring the monarch any greater satisfaction. Instead, it might bring criticism from others who saw the emperor as incorruptible and heartless. This is precisely why monarchs often referred to themselves as "a lonely and isolated ruler."

This is precisely why many monarchs throughout history, even those who were diligent for a time, rarely found enjoyment in it. Over time, they inevitably became incompetent and tyrannical rulers who prioritized pleasure and laziness in governance. Fortunately, Liu Xian harbored a deep-seated hatred for this; he could not tolerate being unable to change the world. Even if he faced difficulties and criticism from others, he would continue to implement his new policies without compromise.

However, compared to official business, Liu Xian's current family matters are causing him much more headaches.

After finishing his official duties, Liu Xian rested briefly before instructing his attendants to prepare to go to Zhanghua Palace, where Yang Hui'ai was.

Since the founding of the nation, life gradually stabilized, and Liu Xian's lineage had flourished. Before the Eastern Expedition, Liu Xian already had three sons and two daughters. After spending two years in Yi'an, Yang Hui'ai and Li Xiu gave birth to a son and a daughter for Liu Xian, respectively. The boy was named Liu Yu, nicknamed Wulai, and the girl was named Liu Lanruo, nicknamed Anuo. Meanwhile, Liu Xun, Liu Fen, and Liu Ai, the three siblings who were still in swaddling clothes, grew up peacefully and without illness. By the age of three, they were already running around everywhere, and the sounds of them chasing and playing in the palace gradually brought some life to the empty halls.

But things don't always go smoothly. During this time, a sad thing happened in the family. Liu Yu, Yang Hui'ai's third son, who was born last year, caught a cold in February of this year. The minor illness turned into a serious one, and he died despite all efforts to save him.

Joy and sorrow, separation and reunion, birth, aging, sickness and death—these are all perfectly normal occurrences in this world. Sima Yan had five sons who died young, and Liu Xian had seven children; now only one has perished, which is actually quite fortunate. But the human heart is ultimately made of flesh and blood, and when this happens, it is still difficult to accept.

Yang Hui'ai had a smooth life, pampered by her father and brothers from a young age, and her every request was granted. Later, she forcefully married Liu Xian. Although not the empress, her status as the mother of the crown prince and Yang Nandi's influence made her practically equal to the empress. However, this year she suddenly suffered the pain of losing her son, arguably the first major setback of her life, leaving her devastated.

Liu Xian was naturally heartbroken by the child's death, but for someone who had experienced so much, pain was a wide river that could be calmly traversed. However, for Yang Hui'ai, who was experiencing this for the first time, it was like a boundless ocean. She cried for several days over the child's death, and no matter how Liu Xian tried to comfort her, he could not help her to find relief. She then fell seriously ill and has not yet recovered.

This was not a good sign, so every time Liu Xian finished dealing with political affairs, he would come to visit A ​​Die in her room, hoping to alleviate her depression by keeping her company, but the results were minimal.

Upon arriving at Zhanghua Palace again that day, Liu Xian saw his second son, Liu Cheng, as soon as he entered. At seven years old, he was already somewhat sensible. Under Jiang Tong's tutelage, the robust-looking boy had developed a scholarly air. Seeing his father arrive, he bowed to Liu Xian as instructed by his teacher. Liu Xian noticed the child's slightly red eyes and knew he had been crying. Liu Xian patted the child's head and said, "It's nothing serious, your mother's illness will get better."

That's what he said, but after seeing A-Die again, Liu Xian was at a loss for words. It was already summer, and Yang Hui'ai, only twenty-six years old, looked dejected and her face was pale. Her eyes, which used to be as bright as stars and seemed to radiate endless vitality and joy, were now sunken in their sockets and tightly closed, making her skin look even paler.

This made Liu Xian even more upset. He slowly sat down next to A Die, stroked his wife's cheek with his palm, and said, "A Die, would you like to go horseback riding with me? The lotus flowers in Jiangling are in bloom. I'll take you to see them."

Upon hearing this, Yang Hui'ai opened her eyes, smiled at Liu Xian, and her smile brightened again. She knew this was her husband's way of showing affection, because he was usually busy with official duties and rarely took time to take his female relatives out of the palace, let alone to Jiangling. This was a special exception. However, she still refused, saying, "Your Majesty, I am already the mother of the Crown Prince, and it is not appropriate for me to appear in public like this!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Xian suddenly realized that they had been married for eight years. The Di girl who used to be like a mountain sprite had unknowingly become a mature and well-mannered Han lady. She might seem unrestrained, but in reality, she had always been restraining and compromising for his sake. Liu Xian felt very guilty and said, "Then why don't you go back to your hometown for a visit?"

Liu Xian thought that perhaps it wasn't just because of the loss of her son, but also because the palace was cramped and the weather in Jiangnan was hot and humid, making A Die uncomfortable. Perhaps if she returned to her familiar environment, to the Qiu Chi Mountain surrounded by mountains with clear skies and refreshing air, and with her familiar family by her side, she would naturally get better. Unexpectedly, A Die refused again, saying, "I told my father that I would follow you for the rest of my life, wherever you go, I will follow you, and I will never go back to my hometown again."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xian felt a pang of sadness, but unable to dissuade her, he had no choice but to give up and instead engage in simple conversation with A Die.

A-Die then talked to him about ghosts and spirits, and she asked Liu Xian, "Where do people go after they die?"

This was a complex yet familiar topic. Liu Xian knew that A Die was missing her child who had died young and was seeking comfort from him. So he adopted the gentlest approach and slowly said, "After a person dies, their soul will linger around their loved ones, protecting everyone and hoping that their family will live happily for generations to come."

"Is that so?" A-Die looked puzzled. She asked again, "Then why can't some things be protected? Is it because they have incurred the jealousy of others?"

This was an answer Liu Xian couldn't give. He couldn't tell A-Die that life is about suffering, nor could he tell a mother who had lost her child that people should learn to be content with what they have. He could only silently hold A-Die in his arms, emphasizing to her that he was right beside her.

When Liu Xian put his arm around his wife, he was surprised to find that A Die was so light, as light as a feather. Apart from her hot body temperature, she seemed like a flame floating and burning in the air.

In that brief moment, Liu Xian's gaze swept over the nearly withered crabapple blossoms outside the hall, and a bad premonition suddenly arose in his mind, lingering there: perhaps with the death of her child, A-Die's once vibrant life force had been exhausted. (End of Chapter)